Motor Vehicle Legal Questions and Answers

Although motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle laws vary from state to state, there are certain similarities across the country in the areas of titling registration, fees, taxes, and drivers licenses. On LawServer, you'll find the federal and state laws governing motor vehicles as well as related legal questions and answers.

The nationals of countries that have adopted the International Road Traffic Agreement may drive their vehicles in the United States for touring purposes without U.S. license plates and drivers' permits. DOT must accept the trip in writing.

Vehicles imported by nonresidents

Non-residents who wish to import their own vehicles should ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any additional charges. Documentation includes the bill-of-lading certificate of origin and any other legal documents that pertain to the vehicle. In addition the documents pertaining to the vehicle need to be in English. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person each signature must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and white copy of their valid driver license or ID card. If they don't have these documents, a Power of Attorney may be used to sign all documents.

To be legally entitled the vehicle that is imported must be in compliance with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations. In particular DOT standards demand that motor vehicles less than 25 years old, conform to safety and bumper standards, and that the manufacturer of each one affix an inscription on each vehicle stating that it meets these standards.

Furthermore, EPA regulations require that all vehicles meet the air pollution emission standards. If a non-resident wants to import a vehicle that is not in compliance with the requirements, they'll have to submit EPA form HS-7 and DOT form 3520-1 along with CBP to obtain prior approval from EPA.

Imported Vehicles for Racing

The laws that govern motor vehicles vary from one state to another, but there are some commonalities across the nation when it comes to the registration of vehicles and obtaining the required driving license. Driver, highway and vehicle safety are enforced by federal laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation establishes and enforces national standards for vehicles and equipment, including various motor sport related requirements.

If you are importing an automotive racing car into the United States, the first step is to get prior written approval from the DOT. This is a requirement for cars that are imported for a long time or temporarily used for racing purposes.

You'll need a CAMS licence and to prove that you've competed in motorsports, and have a valid need for a vehicle. You also need to meet other requirements to be compliant like fitting child restraints and 17-digit VIN plate.

The EPA does not grant permission to import a racing vehicle into the US unless it is race-ready when it is entered and does not have features that make it unsafe or unsuitable for use on roads or highways. You must mark the box 7 on the HS-7 form you will be submitting to customs and submit an EPA letter of approval prior to the vehicle can be cleared by customs.

Vehicles Imported for Touring

Motorists who visit the United States as tourists from Central and South American countries which have been ratified by the Inter-American Convention of 1943 may drive their vehicles in the United States for one year or the period of validity of their passports or the shorter period without the need to obtain license plates or driver's permits. However, they are required to show EPA forms AP 3520-1 and DOTHS-7 at the moment of entry.

Cars imported for purposes of touring are also subject to a 40% Customs duty as well as 10% VAT and an ad valorem tax of 15 percent to 100% based on piston displacement using their book value as their base. These taxes and duties also apply to spare parts sent with the imported auto. Personal presence of the owner is necessary.

Vehicles imported for commercial purposes

The law defines a "motor vehicle accident attorneys vehicle" as any device capable of transporting people or property, and that is powered by something other than muscle power. This includes all vehicles, notwithstanding for (a) electric personal assistance mobility devices operated by a person who suffers from an impairment, (b) farm type tractor used in farming or agricultural business and also implements of husbandry or snow plowing, (c) vehicles that are solely driven by rails or tracks, and (d) vehicles with all-terrain capabilities. Each state's statute may differ from the definition and any vehicle that qualifies under the statutory definition is subject to the state's licensing and registration laws, as well as financial responsibility laws.

The motor vehicle division of the state regulates used and new dealers manufacturers, moving companies, and other motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle-related companies. It also manages the state Lemon Law which offers relief to those who can prove that they purchased the wrong vehicle or truck.

The definition of a"government" motor vehicle includes any vehicle acquired by the executive branch through purchase or forfeiture, in excess, commercial lease or GSA fleet lease and used to fulfill an agency's or organization's transportation function. This includes both foreign and domestic fleets. Furthermore the term is defined to encompass any vehicle utilized by the department of public safety for responding to emergencies or providing other emergency services. The definition excludes ambulances, private cars of police or firefighters, and any vehicle owned by the commissioners court in an area with more than 1 million people.